Structural frame

ABSTRACT

A structural frame of an extended arcuate configuration for use in constructing vault or tubular like structures. The frame is constructed of a plurality of frame units joined together in repeating arrangement, such units comprising a pair of perpendicular strut means for taking the compression forces of the unit and tension means interconnected between the ends of said strut means for taking the tensile forces of the unit. The tension means are connected in tension to place the forces of the frame in equilibrium.

United States Patent Eubank, Jr.

[ STRUCTURAL FRAME [76} Inventor: Joseph P. Euhank, Jr., PO. Box

582, 44 Laurel View Ave., lnverness, Calif. 94937 [22] Filed: July 5, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 485,813

[ June 17, 1975 Primary ExaminerAlfred C. Perham Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Smith, Harding, Earley & Follmer [52] US. Cl. 52/86; 52/643; 5522/2448; [57] ABSTRACT [51] Int. Cl E04b 1/32 A structural frame of an extended arcuate Configura- [58] Field of Search 52/86, 640, 643, 644, 648, tion for use in constructing vault or tubular like struc- 52/74l tures. The frame is constructed of a plurality of frame units joined together in repeating arrangement, such [56] References Cited units comprising a pair of perpendicular strut means UNITED STATES PATENTS for taking the compression forces of the unit and ten- 568 066 9/1896 Cook 52/643 sion means interconnected between the ends of said 1784508 .2/1930 wa| .IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII"""'"'IIIIIIII 52,643 etttt tee tektttt the tenette of the unit- 1:798:0 3,193] Chemo alum 52/648 X The tension means are connected in tension to place 2,682,235 6/1954 Fuller 52/630 x the forces of the frame in equilibrium. 3,063,519 ll/1962 Richterm, 52/81 3,063,521 H/l962 Fuller 52/81 x 13 Game 11 Drawmg SHEEI PATENTEDJUN 17 I915 mdm a 4m QE 1 STRUCTURAL FRAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to structural frame constructions and more particularly to a frame which is constructed by interconnecting a plurality of frame units in repeating arrangement to provide an extended arcuate configuration.

Structural frames of the indicated type for use in constructing various types of buildings as well known. Illustrative of these prior art constructions are those described in US. Pat. Nos. 2,682,235; 3,063,519; 3,063,521; 3,40l,492; and 3,676,964. Generally the prior art constructions use triangular panels joined together along diagonal lines to form a series of diagonal arches in compression. These structures require custom shaping of the panels into triangles which is expensive and wasteful of material. Also, some of the prior art arrangements place more members in compression than is necessary to achieve structural equilibrium and since compression members are much more expensive than tension units they should be reduced to a minimum. The prior art structures fail to recognize that the fewest number of compression members to achieve a tubular or vault shape would be desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is the general object of the invention to provide a structural frame for use in making vault of tubular structures which involves a plurality of frame units joined together, which units involve a minimum of compression members and are designed to permit a light weight building structure of high strength. The structural frame in accordance with the invention combines the walls and roof of a building to make a unit which is structural unto itself without the use of foundations or structural bases. The design permits modular repetition which allows the use of various standard and prefabricated building materials.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the structure is designed so as to be adjustable to permit the units to absorb the tensile forces. Thus, the structure can be fully assembled with tight joints and with loose tension members in a diameter greater than a finished diameter. The structure then can be installed in the final smaller diameter condition to tighten the tension members so as to absorb the tensile forces of the frame. This can also be achieved by the use of adjustable joints in accordance with the invention.

The structural frame in accordance with the invention has applications in the construction of vaults, high rise buildings, airplane bodies, ship hulls and many other structures involving tubular or vault shapes. A particularly advantageous use is in the construction of bridges.

Briefly stated, the structural frame in accordance with the invention has an extended arcuate configuration and is comprised of a plurality of frame units joined together in repeating arrangement. Each of the frame units is comprised of a first strut means for taking the compression forces of the unit along a pair of perpendicular axes in a plane, and a second strut means for taking compression forces along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the first strut means, the second strut means being spaced from one of the axes of the first strut means and intersecting the other axis of the first strut means whereby said other axis extends between said second strut means axis and said one axis of said first strut means. Means are connected in tension between end portions of the second strut means and end portions of the first strut means at said one axis thereof for taking the tensile forces of the unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the basic frame unit employed in the structural frame in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the side of a structural frame in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a vault constructed of the structural frame in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrammatic views illustrating the assembly procedure of the vault shown in FIG. 1',

FIG. 4 is another diagrammatic view illustrating another form of structural frame in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4A is a view illustrating the basic unit that is repeated in the frame shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the basic frame in accordance with the invention as utilized in the manufacture of a greenhouse;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a greenhouse comprising the frame shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a joint design in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a view of a tubular form of structural frame in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The basic frame unit 10 which is repeated to form the structural frame in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The unit 10 comprises three strut members 12, 14 and l6joined together in a configuration to take the compressive forces of the unit in all three dimensions. Thus, the strut members 12 and 14 extend along perpendicular axes in a common plane to take compression forces in two dimensions and may be termed a first strut means. Strut member 16 extends along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the first strut means for taking compression forces in the third dimension. Strut member 16 is spaced from the strut member 12 and intersects strut member 14 at one end thereof. The configuration is such that strut member 14 extends between the mid-points of the strut members 12 and 16 and is joined thereto at its ends.

The frame unit 10 comprises members connected in tension between end portions of the first and second strut means for taking the tension forces of the unit in all three dimensions. To this end, there are provided four tension members 20, 22, 24 and 26 which extend between the ends of the strut members 12 and 16 as shown in FIG. 1.

In accordance with the above-described configuration, the unit 10 provides a rigid three dimensional figure which is in equilibrium. Moreover, the unit can be repeated to form a frame which is structural unto itself, i.e., without the need of a foundation.

As an alternate form of unit 10, additional tension means may be connected in tension between the ends of strut members 12 and 16 and the ends of strut member 14. These additional tension members are not necessary in the basic unit but do provide added strength.

In FIG. I the strut members l2, l4 and 16 are shown as comprising straight tubular bars and the tension members are shown as comprising wires. It will be apparent that such members may take various forms and may be made of various materials. For example, the strut members may be curved and may be made of metal, wood, plastic or other suitable materials. Also, the tension members may be made of wire, straps and even a wood or metallic skin if placed in tension as will be described hereafter. It is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the scope of the specific form thereof herein shown and described and that various embodiments thereof may be employed within the scope of the claims set forth hereinafter.

In FIG. 2 there is shown a side view of a generally semi-cylindrical structural frame 28 in accordance with the invention made up of a plurality of the frame units, such as unit 10, joined together in repeating arrangement. The frame unit which is repeated is defined by the joints indicated at 30, 31, 32 and 33 and comprises the struts 34 and 35 and a strut therebetween (not shown) and tension members 36, 37, 38 and 39. The repeated frame unit is shaded in FIG. 2. The frame is assembled together in a manner such that the tension placed on the tension 36-39 will make the frame structurally stable without the need of foundations. Accordingly, the entire structural frame need only be supported from either end as indicated by the supports 40 and 42, since the walls and roof of the frame take the bending forces.

In FIG. 3 there is shown a vault 44 constructed of a plurality of the frame units in accordance with the invention. The typical repeated frame units are defined between joints 45, 46, 47 and 48. The unit comprises a triangular shaped first strut means 50 extending between joints 46 and 48 for taking the compression forces in two dimensions and a straight bar strut means 52 extending between joints and 47 for taking the compression forces in the third dimension. The end portions of the strut means 50 and 52 are connected together by tension members 53, 54, 55 and 56, which members are placed in the proper tension.

The frame structure shown in FIG. 3 may be adapted to be covered by a sheet material in which case it is assembled in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Thus, the structure is initially assembled in an open vault arrangement as is shown in FIG. 3A with the tension members being in a loose condition. The structure is covered with a sheet material when the bottom ends of the vault are spaced as is shown in FIG. 3A. The frame is then moved to the final installed condition by forcing the bottom ends of the vault toward one another as shown by the arrows to produce a closed vault as is shown in FIG. 3B. During this action, the sheet material is placed in proper tension to provide a structural frame in accordance with the invention.

In FIG. 4, there is shown a structural frame comprised of a plurality of frame units 61 (shown in FIG. 4A) which are joined together at end portions in a repeating arrangement. The frame units 61 comprise a first strut means consisting of a straight strut member 62 and a perpendicular strut member 63 which inter sects a transversely extending strut member 64 which forms the second strut means and tension members 65 interconnected in tension between the ends of strut members 62 and 64. This arrangement is similar to the frame unit 10. The unit 61 is adapted to be made of strut members made of wood or metal bars. By placing a cover around the exterior of the structural frame 60, the structure can be adapted to form the hull of a ship of a similar type of construction.

In FIGS. 5 and 6 there is shown a structural frame in accordance with the invention as designed for use in the manufacture of a vault structure used to make a greenhouse. This frame may also be used for similar structures such as solariums, workshops or the like. The skeleton frame is shown in FIG. 5 and comprises a rectangular base frame 72 on which is mounted the generally semi-cylindrical skeleton frame 70. Frame 70 is comprised of a plurality of frame units joined together at end joints in a repeating arrangement. a typical frame unit being located between the joints indicated at 73, 74, 75 and 76. Each such frame unit comprises a first strut means including a straight strut member 78 extending between joints 74 and 76 and a strut member 79 extending perpendicular thereto to intersect with the second strut means which consists of a strut member 80 extending between joints 73 and 75. There are provided tension means which are indicated at 82 and comprise wires extending between the ends of strut members 78 and 80 to place the proper tension on the structure so that it is structural unto itself. It will be apparent that the frame unit employed in this structure is very similar to the unit 10 shown in FIG. 1. It is to be noted that the strut members 80 are part of elongated frame members extending the full length of the structure 70. However, as a structural unit, strut members 80 are considered to be a strut member acting between joints such as joints 73 and 75. The strut members 78 and 80 are made of wood and the strut member 79 is made of a metal bar.

The structural frame 70 includes seven longitudinally spaced arcuate wood truss members 84 extending transversely around the exterior of the frame between the side legs of the base frame 72. Each truss member 84 is comprised of a plurality of sections extending between adjacent joints in the transverse direction. such as the section extending between joints 74 and 76. As is shown in FIG. 6, a corrugated cover 86 is mounted on the outside of the arcuate truss members 84. A door 88 is provided in a front wall structure 90 at one end of the greenhouse. The front wall structure 90 is provided with suitable upright and cross members for supporting the door 88 and the vertical front wall portions of the greenhouse.

It will be apparent that the greenhouse shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 comprises a frame structure which is lightweight and high in strength and which involves a minimum of compression members. Moreover, the greenhouse design permits modular repetition which allows the use of standard and prefabricated material.

A preferred joint design in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG. 7. This joint design may be used with various forms of the invention, and has been shown as particularly adapted for use with the frame shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

A strut member 80' is provided with a bolt hole 91 and the end of a pair of strut members 78' are joined with the ends of the sections of truss member 84 by means of wedge shaped members 93 secured therebetween as by adhesive. The ends of the two sections of the truss members 84' to be joined are provided with projections 93 and 95 constructed and arranged to overlap one another. Projections 93 and 95 are provided with bolt holes 94 and 96, respectively. and extend from the ends of the sections of the truss members 84' an amount equal to the width of the strut member 80'.

in the assembled condition, the ends of the sections of truss members 84' are placed in abutting relation with the projection 93 over the projection 95 and the strut member 80' therebeneath. Also, all the bolt holes 91, 94 and 96 are placed in aligned relation.

Means are provided for joining the parts together, such means comprising a bolt 98 which extends successively through the holes 94, 96 and 91 to join the parts together. The head 97 of the bolt 98 has a channel shape so that it rests over the end projection 93 of the truss member 84. When the bolt 98 is completely inserted through the bolt holes with the bolt head 97 resting on the end projection 93, the bolt 98 has a substantial portion extending below the strut member 80', this portion including a threaded end 100.

Means are provided for connecting the wires of the tension means 82' to the bolt 98. To this end, there is provided a pair of strap members 102 and 104 which are arranged in a crossed relation and form a tension unit 106. Members 102 and 104 are provided with holes which fit over the bolt 98. There is also a sleeve 108 which fits slidably over the bolt 98 and a wing nut 110 which threadedly engages the threaded end portion 100 of the bolt 98.

In the assembling of the joint, the ends of the sections of the truss members 84 are placed in abutting relation with the strut means 80' beneath the projection 95 and between the ends of the strut means 78 and all the bolt holes 91, 94 and 96 are placed in alignment. The bolt 98 is then inserted successively through the bolt holes 94, 96, and 91 until the head 99 is placed over the end projection 93 to secure the bolt 98 in postion. The tension unit 106 is then placed on the bolt and pushed thereon to a location beyond the threaded portion 100. The sleeve 108 is then placed over the bolt 98 and the wing nut 110 is threadedly engaged with the threaded end portion 100. The wing nut 110 is then tightened until the sleeve 108 forces the tension unit to the desired position, normally a position wherein the tension unit 106 is held in contact with the strut member 80'. The joint is now assembled in the fully tightened condition, It will be apparent that the wing nut 110 can be adjusted to various positions along the length of the bolt 98 to thereby vary the tightness placed on the wires of the tension means 82. This adjustability is desirable for some applications.

The structural frame in accordance with the invention may be made in a tubular construction. This is illustrated in FIG. 8 wherein there is shown a tubular structural frame 120 in accordance with the invention as adapted for use in a high rise building. The construction is similar to those hereinbefore described except that the frame units are joined in a repeating arrangement forming a hollow cylinder as compared with the previously described forms of the invention involving a generally semi-cylindrical construction.

It is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the scope of the specific form thereof herein shown and described and that various embodiments thereof may be employed within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

I claim:

1. A structural frame of an extended generally arcuate configuration comprising a plurality of frame units joined together in repeating arrangement and comprised of first strut means for taking compression forces along a pair of perpendicular axes in a plane, second strut means for taking compression forces along an axis perpendicular to said plane of said first strut means, said second strut means being spaced from one of said axes of said first strut means and intersecting the other axis of said first strut means whereby said other axis extends between said second strut means axis and said one axis of said first strut means, and means connected in tension between end portions of said second strut means and end portions of said first strut means at said one axis thereof for taking the tensile forces of said unit.

2. A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said tension means extending between said strut means is connected in tension to place the forces of said frame in equilibrium.

3. A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said units are interconnected at the end portions of said strut means.

4. A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said units are connected to form a vault having a gene rally semi-cylindrical configuration.

5. A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said units are connected to form a tubular construction having a generally cylindrical configuration.

6. A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said first strut means includes a pair of rod-like members arranged in a perpendicular relationship, said second strut means comprises a rod-like member, and said tension means comprises a plurality of wire-like members.

7. A structural frame according to claim 6 wherein one of said rod-like members of said first strut means is longer than the other, said other rod-like member extending between said longer rod-like member and said rod-like member of said second strut means.

8. A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said first strut means is a triangular shaped member, said second strut means comprising a rod-like member extending perpendicular to the plane of said triangular shaped member, and said tension means comprises a plurality of wire-like members.

9. A structural frame according to claim 1 including a plurality of longitudinally spaced arcuate truss members extending around the periphery of said arcuate configuration, said truss members being joined with said frame units at the joints between adjacent frame units.

10. A structural frame according to claim 9 including a base frame supporting said frame units and said truss members and a cover means extending around the exterior of said truss members for forming an enclosed building.

11. A structural frame according to claim 1 including means for joining adjacent frame units including a bolt means for interconnecting the ends of adjacent first strut means and second strut means, and a tension unit mounted on said bolt means and connected to associated tension means.

12. A structural frame according to claim 11 wherein said tension unit is movably mounted on said bolt means for varying the tension on said tension means.

moving the frame to the finally installled condition by forcing the bottom ends thereof toward one another to produce a closed vault constructionv 

1. A structural frame of an extended generally arcuate configuration comprising a plurality of frame units joined together in repeating arrangement and comprised of first strut means for taking compression forces along a pair of perpendicular axes in a plane, second strut means for taking compression forces along an axis perpendicular to said plane of said first strut means, said second strut means being spaced from one of said axes of said first strut means and intersecting the other axis of said first strut means whereby said other axis extends between said second strut means axis and said one axis of said first strut means, and means connected in tension between end portions of said second strut means and end portions of said first strut means at said one axis thereof for taking the tensile forces of said unit.
 2. A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said tension means extending between said strut means is connected in tension to place the forces of said frame in equilibrium.
 3. A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said units are interconnected at the end portions of said strut means.
 4. A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said units are connected to form a vault having a generally semi-cylindrical configuration.
 5. A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said units are connected to form a tubular construction having a generally cylindrical configuration.
 6. A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said first strut means includes a pair of rod-like members arranged in a perpendicular relationship, said second strut means comprises a rod-like member, and said tension means comprises a plurality of wire-like members.
 7. A structural frame according to claim 6 wherein one of said rod-likE members of said first strut means is longer than the other, said other rod-like member extending between said longer rod-like member and said rod-like member of said second strut means.
 8. A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said first strut means is a triangular shaped member, said second strut means comprising a rod-like member extending perpendicular to the plane of said triangular shaped member, and said tension means comprises a plurality of wire-like members.
 9. A structural frame according to claim 1 including a plurality of longitudinally spaced arcuate truss members extending around the periphery of said arcuate configuration, said truss members being joined with said frame units at the joints between adjacent frame units.
 10. A structural frame according to claim 9 including a base frame supporting said frame units and said truss members and a cover means extending around the exterior of said truss members for forming an enclosed building.
 11. A structural frame according to claim 1 including means for joining adjacent frame units including a bolt means for interconnecting the ends of adjacent first strut means and second strut means, and a tension unit mounted on said bolt means and connected to associated tension means.
 12. A structural frame according to claim 11 wherein said tension unit is movably mounted on said bolt means for varying the tension on said tension means.
 13. The method of assembling the structural frame according to claim 10 in which the structural frame is initially assembled in an open vault arrangement with the tension members in a loose condition and then moving the frame to the finally installled condition by forcing the bottom ends thereof toward one another to produce a closed vault construction. 